Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
importance lies with
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "importance lies with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate where the significance or value of something is placed or attributed. Example: "In this discussion, the importance lies with understanding the underlying causes of the issue."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(20)
significance resides in
the emphasis is on
the heart of the issue is
the key is
the crux of the matter is
the focus should be on
concern exists with
concern persists with
focus is on
main issue revolves around
attention is directed towards
concern is with
obsession lies with
connection lies with
concern lies with
priority is with
priority lies with
concern rests with
anguish lies with
confusion lies with
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
The building's importance lies with the integral relationship between skin, structure and site.
News & Media
If you wanted to boil him down, it would be that there should be freedom … he thinks the power and the importance lies with the artist, he thinks art can be good, bad and indifferent, but it is still art.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
SCOTT GALUPO, in the State of the Union blog on theamericanconservative.com Regarding Ryan's PowerPoint on the national debt, the importance lies not with citing concepts that are beyond the grasp of "fifth graders" but in taking the matter seriously.
News & Media
Although disease due to atypical EPEC was mild and generally not associated with dehydration, its importance lies in its association with prolonged diarrhea, a major contributor to childhood illness, especially in developing countries.
Science
Headache rarely signals serious underlying illness; its public-health importance lies in its causal association with these personal and societal burdens of pain, disability, damaged quality of life and financial cost [1].
Therefore, while headache rarely signals serious underlying illness, its public health importance lies in its causal association with these personal and societal burdens of pain, disability, damaged quality of life and financial cost.
Since migraine is most troublesome in the productive years, its public health importance lies in its causal association with these personal and societal burdens of pain, disability, damaged quality of life and financial cost [40].
A major part of horse racing's economic importance lies in the gambling associated with it.
Wiki
Totemism's importance lies in providing individuals and groups with direct and life-sustaining links back to the very beginnings of society itself, the Dreaming, and to the enormous powers emanating from the spiritual realm.
Encyclopedias
He was already seeking a way of overcoming nihilism, and his second novel, La Peste (1947; The Plague), is a symbolical account of the fight against an epidemic in Oran by characters whose importance lies less in the (doubtful) success with which they oppose the epidemic than in their determined assertion of human dignity and fraternity.
Encyclopedias
The importance lies in asking patients what is important to them.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "importance lies with" to clearly specify where the primary significance or responsibility is located within a system, argument, or situation.
Common error
Avoid using "importance lies with" when a simpler construction like "is important" or "matters" would be more direct and clear. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "importance lies with" functions as a connector, linking the subject to the entity or aspect that holds the primary significance or responsibility. This is supported by Ludwig's AI response, which confirms its usability in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
32%
Science
32%
Encyclopedias
14%
Less common in
Wiki
7%
Formal & Business
4%
Academia
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "importance lies with" is a grammatically sound construction used to pinpoint where the primary significance or responsibility is located. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not exceptionally common, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. Alternative phrases like "importance rests on" or "significance resides in" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Use the phrase to emphasize key aspects, but avoid overusing it to maintain clarity and conciseness in your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the emphasis is on
Highlights a particular aspect or element as being more prominent.
importance rests on
Replaces "lies with" with "rests on", slightly shifting the emphasis to a foundation or support.
the heart of the issue is
Identifies the core or central concern of a matter.
significance resides in
Substitutes "importance" with "significance" and "lies with" with "resides in", indicating a more inherent quality.
value is found in
Replaces "importance" with "value" and "lies with" with "is found in", focusing on the worth or benefit derived.
the essence consists of
Points to the fundamental nature or defining characteristic.
the key is
Simplifies the structure to highlight the central element or solution.
the crux of the matter is
Indicates the most vital or decisive point in a situation.
the weight of responsibility is
Specifically emphasizes where the burden or obligation falls.
the focus should be on
Suggests a redirection of attention or effort towards a specific area.
FAQs
How can I use "importance lies with" in a sentence?
You can use "importance lies with" to indicate where the main significance or value of something is located. For example: "In this discussion, the "importance lies with" understanding the underlying causes of the issue."
What are some alternatives to "importance lies with"?
Alternatives include phrases like "importance rests on", "significance resides in", or "value is found in", depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Is it grammatically correct to say "importance lies with"?
Yes, "importance lies with" is grammatically correct and usable in written English to indicate where the significance or value of something is placed or attributed. However, ensure it fits the context and doesn't sound overly formal or complex.
What's the difference between "importance lies with" and "importance rests on"?
"Importance lies with" suggests a more general location of significance, while "importance rests on" implies that the significance is dependent on or supported by something else.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested